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Rockford, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned winger Ben Smith and center Ryan Potulny to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Smith, 22, made his National Hockey League debut on Oct. 29 against Edmonton. The rookie winger was held scoreless in three games with the Blackhawks while registering four blocked shots, four hits and 4-of-5 faceoff wins.

The former 6th round pick (#169 overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has tallied four points (1g-3a) in eight games for the IceHogs in 2010-11, including the team’s only short-handed goal.

Smith skated four seasons at Boston College, capping his senior season off with a National Championship and a 5-0 win over Wisconsin in 2010. The Avon, Connecticut native was named the Most Outstanding Player in the Frozen Four Tournament after recording four points (3g-1a). Smith finished his college career with 122 points (57g-65a) in 165 games.

Potulny, 26, posted one shot, one hit and one takeaway in two tilts with the Blackhawks over the weekend in his first regular-season action with Chicago. He shares second on Rockford with four assists and fourth with six points (2g, 4a) in eight games with the IceHogs this season. The Grand Forks, North Dakota native established career-bests with 15 goals, 17 assists and 32 points in a career-high 64 regular-season tilts with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2009-10 campaign.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Nov. 6 vs. Manitoba Moose. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs baseball cap courtesy of Pepsi, WXRX and WIFR. For tickets call (815) 968-5222 or visit metrocentre.com.